Celebrating 55 years since new innovations sparked success
Lorry tension curtain and flexible thermoplastics experts, Structure-flex, are celebrating 55 years since two new innovations sparked the company’s birth.
Structure-flex was established just one year after the lorry tension curtain was introduced as a new solution for securing and accessing goods on lorries and trucks.
Though the Norfolk-based manufacturer has subsequently become synonymous with lorry tension curtains as the UK’s largest supplier, their journey actually began with the ‘Big Bag’ – a unique 2.5 tonne bag for transporting drilling mud used in the oil industry.
“Our story is one of innovation and specialism. We began with a new solution for the energy sector and then recognised the huge potential of lorry tension curtains. Over half a century later, we’ve not only become a leader in both but also in a range of other solutions manufactured from flexible thermoplastics” states Paul Reeve, Managing Director.
Structure-flex has the UK’s largest high-frequency welding facility, using an electromagnetic field to generate heat which joins together flexible thermoplastic-coated fabrics.
They also possess some of the UK’s widest format digital printers, allowing Structure-flex to print vivid designs on the largest of lorry tension curtains, for brands including Greene King, B&M and Bostik over the years.
For over five decades, they have produced tens of thousands of lorry curtains and introduced new innovations such as the unique Smoothside curtain which replaces straps and buckles with a more discrete clip.
“We’ve always believed it’s important to look to the future and to recognise the areas in which we can excel. I’ve been with the company over 30 years and it’s both our dedication to thermoplastics and our willingness to try new things which have contributed to our sustained success” adds Paul.
An example of the company’s forward-thinking came in the 1990’s, when Structure-flex created a 23,000 litre bag for storing wine in shipping containers as it is transported around the world.
One of the company’s proudest moments was in 2013, when they won the Queen’s Award for Export, in part by achieving a 277 percent increase in overseas sales to the Middle East, Europe, North America and beyond.
During the pandemic, Structure-flex began producing PPE face shields, social distancing signage and even body bags to help support the national response.
However, it remains their Big Bag and the fledgling lorry tension curtain which triggered the birth of Structure-flex in a small unit behind an engineering works in Sheringham, Norfolk.
Still based in North Norfolk, Structure-flex now has over 50 staff at its factory in Cromer, producing lorry tension curtains, bulk storage bags, water-filled bags for testing structures and even flood defences.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has worked with us over the last 55 years for helping us become a fixture of our industry and community. It’s through the loyalty and determination of many great people that we’ve become a market leader with a bright future ahead” concludes Paul.
More details of Structure-flex can be found at www.structure-flex.co.uk
